Effects of climate change

MORE than 150 villagers in Navosa underwent a two-day reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) and climate change awareness workshop at Draubuta Village.

Alumeci Nasova from the Soqosoqo Vakamarama in Navosa said the workshop had helped her community better understand why weather patterns had changed considerably over the past three decades and the impact the changes had on agriculture.

"We have noticed that there have been stronger cyclones and longer periods of hot weather over the past 30 years," the 57-year-old said.

Mrs Nasova said climate change has had an impact on root crop and vegetable farms and she had turned to practices from the past to adapt to the change in seasons.

"I will use traditional means of food preservation as an adaptation method in this changing climate."

The workshop was organised by the Department of Forestry and Secretariat for the Pacific Community/GIZ Coping with Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region and included resource persons from the Land Resource Planning and Development Unit and Extension office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, iTaukei land Trust Board and Climate Change and Development.